Arjun's stories are life experiences. India is such a rich, complex stew of contradictions, of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, and of gregariousness and sly reserve. My voice as a teacher is important and authentic because I have the unique experience of being of two worlds-the rural Thar Desert and the educated city life of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, not to mention my travels to Connecticut and New York and Washington. Taken together, the arc of my stories paints a clear picture of how India is evolving, especially rural India.